If you struggle to remember dozens of unique passwords or worry about keeping them safe, a password manager can help. These tools securely store, generate and autofill your passwords across all your devices, protecting you from weak, reused or forgotten credentials.

Why password managers matter

Cybercriminals don’t necessarily need to “hack” your accounts — they often just log in with stolen or reused passwords. Using the same password for multiple sites puts you at risk. A password manager makes it easy to:

• Create unique, complex passwords for every account.
• Store them in one encrypted, secure vault.
• Automatically fill them in when you log in.
• Access them safely on any device.

With one strong primary password (or biometric sign-in), you can protect hundreds of logins without memorizing them all.

What to look for in a secure password manager

Choose a reputable provider that uses end-to-end encryption and a zero-knowledge design — meaning only you can access your stored data. Look for these features:

• Automatic password generation for new accounts.
• Cross-device synchronization (mobile, desktop and browser).
• Built-in password health checks and breach alerts.
• Multifactor authentication (MFA) for extra protection
• Support for passkeys, the emerging replacement for passwords (optional).

While the UIS Service Desk does not directly support a password manager for all CU System employees, you can find some recommendations on the CU Boulder Office of Information Technology Password Managers webpage.

We do not recommend saving passwords in your browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge, etc.) due to their vulnerability to malware and weaker encryption. 

NOTE: In addition to password management, creating strong passwords plays a huge role in staying cybersecure. Review our best practices for strong password creation.